Load-bearing behavior of non-continuously stiffened steel panels- an overview of the state of research

The present article provides an overview of current research on the load-bearing behavior of non-continuously stiffened steel panels subjected to uniform compression. In contrast to conventional continuous longitudinal stiffening of steel panels, non-continuous longitudinal stiffening describes a construction method in which stiffeners end within the panel, leaving a gap in front of the transverse stiffener or end of the girder. The construction method is currently excluded from existing standardization due to various challenges. A combination of comprehensive experimental and numerical studies aims to deepen the understanding of those structures' load-bearing behavior and failure mechanisms when subjected to uniform compression. In addition to current developments of this construction method, fundamental findings are compiled and discussed. The research project aims to develop a new, Eurocode-consitent design method that combines numerical and analytical approaches to make non-continuous longitudinal stiffening reliably and economically accessible to construction practice.